Kidney Health Tips for National Kidney Month
Healthy kidneys are essential to maintaining good long-term health. Unfortunately, some people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney issues may have an increased risk of developing kidney disease. In addition to creating complications of its own, people with kidney disease are much more likely than the average person to suffer from heart disease. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and do whatever you can to help keep your kidneys healthy. So, in honor of National Kidney Month this March, we wanted to offer some simple tips on how you can promote good kidney health.
Keep Your Body Hydrated
Staying hydrated can help the kidneys function properly, but you don’t have to overdo it. We recommend for adults to drink 7 – 8 8-ounce glasses of water daily (the 8 x 8 rule). Anything more than that won’t necessarily do your kidneys any good.
Eat Healthy & Exercise
Getting daily exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your bodyweight down, which is helpful for the kidneys. These healthy habits can also keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check, which is also good for your kidney health. We would recommend trying to eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day and limiting your sodium intake to below 2,300 milligrams a day. Additionally, high-protein diets and protein powders used during exercise can lead to kidney issues.
Do Not Smoke or Drink to Excess
Smoking can damage a person’s blood vessels, potentially decreasing the flow of blood to the kidneys and negatively affecting overall kidney function. Additionally, smoking can also contribute to an increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney cancer. Alcohol can make it more difficult to filter your blood properly. Consuming more than two drinks per day can also increase your chances of developing high blood pressure, leading to potential kidney disease.
Ask Your Doctor About Kidney Health
We advise asking your healthcare provider about your kidneys during visits to their office, including routine check-ups and annual physical appointments. Certain diagnostic tests can be performed to test the state of your kidneys and monitor for signs of kidney disease. This is especially important for older patients and people with high blood pressure and other potential kidney disease risk factors.
The most important step you can take for promoting good kidney health is taking care of your body and communicating with your healthcare provider about what you can do to live a kidney-healthy lifestyle. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, not far from Grayson, Lilburn, Lawrenceville, and Loganville.
